Now for some seriously awful news surrounding the New York Jets: Linebacker Bryan Thomas, a veteran of 11 seasons, is trying to get into a special probation program because he allegedly beat up his wife more than two months ago.

Thomas, 33, was charged Oct. 31 in Randolph with aggravated assault upon his wife at their home. The linebacker — described as 6 feet, 4 inches and 265 pounds on the NFL roster — allegedly pushed his wife with a kitchen chair, punched her in the stomach, and grabbed her by the neck, causing pain and marks on her body, according to criminal complaints.

Thomas, who posted $2,500 bail after his arrest, also was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon (the kitchen chair), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, and possession of 20 tablets of suspected hydrocodone.

It's not clear how any of this news remained quiet for so long, especially because, well, the Jets. Through his attorney, Thomas has applied for a program for first-time offenders that, if he qualifies, would allow him to serve a probation period and meet other unspecified conditions in exchange for having the charges dismissed and his record expunged. Thomas has a court appearance scheduled for Feb. 5.